Best friend remembers Hailey Owens for her humor and energy

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Little Hailey Owens was a 10-year-old fourth grader at Westport Grade School in Springfield, Mo. She was last seen in front of a house on W. Lombard St. before witnesses say she was snatched by a stranger just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18. She was later found dead in a man’s home.

Her friends say she was funny and full of energy and that she’ll be horribly missed. Nine-year-old Jasmine Cox said Hailey was her best friend.

“She was my best friend. We’ve been friends since first grade because that’s when I started going to B. Elementary,” she said.

She said Hailey was her favorite playmate. The two would ride bikes, climb trees, play with dolls and always laugh.

“She was funny. Whenever we played Barbie, it was like in the middle of winter and she’d start saying, ‘I’m going surfing,'” Jasmine said.

And she’s saying what she can to help her daughter cope with the loss of her best friend.

“They said that right now that God was going to be with me, and I was going to be okay,” Jasmine said.

Morell also set up a fund and a Facebook page for Hailey. On the page are updates on what people are doing to remember Hailey. One thing has been turning on porch lights in honor of her. Both lights are on at the house where she was last seen.

2 comments

Karen Huling

When I first heard the amber alert I prayed she would be found okay, then the news she didn’t survive her abduction. I always believed everything happens for a reason and that good comes out of every trial. I pray now for strength for Haily’s family and peace knowing she is now safe in Gods arms. I have a 10 yr old Grandchild and so this hits hard.. I’m so sorry for your loss Owen family.

Samantha LeGrand

Me, too. I know how it feels Jasmine. I had a best friend as well at 9 years old and she was ten. She had cancer and the day of my birthday party she passed because of cancer. I was really devastated. It is not for the same reason but I still know how you feel. I am sorry.